Water gathering and distribution system and related techniques for operating in freezing environmental conditions

ABSTRACT

A water gathering and distribution system and related techniques for operating in freezing environmental conditions are disclosed. The system may include a water diverter unit or a water flow regulation unit configured to receive water from a water source situated at a location that is remote, inaccessible (or difficult to access), and/or experiences freezing environmental conditions and to deliver a controlled volume of that water for downstream use. The system further may include a water supply unit configured to receive that water and to supply it to downstream snowmaking equipment. In some instances, the supply unit also may cool the water to a temperature suitable, for example, for snowmaking. In a general sense, the disclosed system may be considered modular, in that multiple system components may be placed in flow communication with one another, as desired, to provide a distributed network of water collection and distribution elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/635,342, filed on Jan. 30, 2020, which is anational stage entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2018/065480, filed on Dec. 13, 2018. Each of thesepatent applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to water distribution and moreparticularly to water distribution in freezing environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND

In the hydrologic cycle, rainwater infiltrates porous layers ofmountains and recharges the groundwater, which in turn supplies water tomountain springs, streams, and aquifers. Depending on a mountain's soilcharacteristics, precipitation either infiltrates into the ground orflows along the surface gathering into streams. Some of theprecipitation that is absorbed into the ground is retained in the rootzone, where it is used by plants. The rest will continue to seepdownward, within the mountain, until it reaches a depth below which allthe spaces between the particles of sediment are filled, or saturated,with water. This is known as groundwater. The water table is the top ofthe saturated zone. When the saturated zone can yield a significantvolume of groundwater, it is called an aquifer. A spring is formed whenthe groundwater reaches an impermeable layer (e.g., such as clay) withinthe mountain and eventually breaks though the surface. Mountain springssupply water to ponds or streams, which eventually discharge into riversor lakes. Water that does not break though the surface in this wayreplenishes aquifers. Natural snow is formed when water vapor condensesand freezes in the form of small crystalline ice structures. Artificialsnowmaking equipment simulates these conditions by spraying fineparticles of water into the air. If the temperature is sufficiently low,the water droplets freeze into crystals and fall to the ground as snow.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases,interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem,and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article. Oneexample embodiment provides a water diverter unit. The water diverterunit includes a first inlet pipe configured to be in flow communicationwith a water source to receive water therefrom. The water diverter unitfurther includes a first outlet pipe configured to be in flowcommunication with the first inlet pipe and a first downstream dischargepoint. The water diverter unit further includes a second outlet pipeconfigured to be in flow communication with the first inlet pipe and adownstream endpoint apparatus configured to utilize the water. The waterdiverter unit further includes a first diverter valve configured todirect the water between the first outlet pipe and the second outletpipe, wherein the first diverter valve is motor-actuated and wirelesslycontrolled. The water diverter unit further includes an electronicsassembly sealed within a first insulated housing disposed within thewater diverter unit. The electronics assembly includes a controllerconfigured to control the first diverter valve in directing the waterbetween the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe. Theelectronics assembly further includes a power storage element configuredto provide electric power to actuate the first diverter valve indirecting the water between the first outlet pipe and the second outletpipe. The electronics assembly further includes a communication moduleconfigured to receive a wireless signal and communicate with thecontroller in controlling the first diverter valve in directing thewater between the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe. Thewater diverter unit further includes a local power generation elementoperatively coupled with the power storage element and configured togenerate electricity to be stored by the power storage element.

In some cases, the water diverter unit further includes at least one of:a temperature sensor disposed within a flow pathway of the first inletpipe; a pressure sensor disposed within a flow pathway of the firstinlet pipe; and at least one flow sensor disposed within at least oneof: a flow pathway of the first inlet pipe; and a flow pathway of thesecond outlet pipe.

In some cases: the power storage element is a battery; and the powergeneration element includes a turbine generator disposed within a flowpathway of one of the first inlet pipe or the first outlet pipe andconfigured to generate electricity.

In some cases, the water diverter unit further includes an adjustableshutoff valve disposed within a flow pathway of the first inlet pipe.

In some cases, the water diverter unit further includes a vent pipeconfigured to vent at least one of the first outlet pipe and the secondoutlet pipe to atmosphere. In some such cases, the water diverter unitfurther includes an adjustable shutoff valve disposed within a flowpathway of the vent pipe.

In some cases, the water diverter unit further includes a secondinsulated housing configured to house: at least a portion of each of thefirst inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe, and the second outlet pipe; thefirst diverter valve; and the electronics assembly.

In some cases, the water source is situated at a mountain and includesat least one of a spring, a stream, an aquifer, and a horizontal well.

In some cases, the water source is at a location that experiencesfreezing environmental conditions.

In some cases, the downstream endpoint apparatus includes a piece ofsnowmaking equipment.

Another example embodiment provides a water distribution systemincluding: the water diverter unit described herein; and a water supplyunit. The water supply unit includes a second inlet pipe configured tobe in flow communication with the second outlet pipe of the waterdiverter unit to receive water therefrom. The water supply unit furtherincludes a third outlet pipe configured to be in flow communication withthe second inlet pipe and the downstream endpoint apparatus. The watersupply unit further includes a fourth outlet pipe configured to be inflow communication with the second inlet pipe and either the firstdownstream discharge point or a second downstream discharge point. Thewater supply unit further includes a second diverter valve configured todirect the water between the third outlet pipe and the fourth outletpipe. The water supply unit further includes a computer-controlledvariable pressure and flow pump configured to automatically regulate atleast one of a pressure and a flow of the water through the third outletpipe according to a scheme based on prevailing weather conditions.

In some cases, the water supply unit further includes a cooling elementconfigured to reduce a temperature of the water upstream of thedownstream endpoint apparatus. In some such cases, the cooling elementincludes a series of radiator coils.

In some cases, the water supply unit further includes a third housingconfigured to house: at least a portion of each of the second inletpipe, the third outlet pipe, and the fourth outlet pipe; the seconddiverter valve; and the cooling element. In some such cases, the thirdhousing includes at least one ventilation panel configured to be openedand closed to adjust a degree of cooling provided to the water withinthe water supply unit.

Another example embodiment provides a water flow regulation unit. Thewater flow regulation unit includes a main body portion configured tobe: disposed within a well casement pipe of a horizontal well to receivewater collected by the horizontal well from a water source; and in flowcommunication with a downstream endpoint apparatus configured to utilizethe water. The water flow regulation unit further includes a shutoffvalve disposed within a flow pathway of the main body portion andconfigured to stop up a flow of the water within the main body portion,wherein the shutoff valve is motor-actuated and wirelessly controlled.The water flow regulation unit further includes an electronics assemblysealed within a first insulated housing disposed within the main bodyportion. The electronics assembly includes a controller configured tocontrol the shutoff valve in stopping up the flow of water within themain body portion. The electronics assembly further includes a powerstorage element configured to provide electric power to actuate theshutoff valve in stopping up the flow of water within the main bodyportion. The electronics assembly further includes a communicationmodule configured to receive a wireless signal and communicate with thecontroller in controlling the shutoff valve in stopping up the flow ofwater within the main body portion. The water flow regulation unitfurther includes a local power generation element operatively coupledwith the power storage element and configured to generate electricity tobe stored by the power storage element.

In some cases, the main body portion has at least one groove definedalong an exterior thereof and configured to receive at least one sealingfeature. In some such cases, the at least one sealing feature is anO-ring.

In some cases, the water flow regulation unit further includes at leastone of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow sensordisposed within a flow pathway of the main body portion.

In some cases: the power storage element is a battery; and the powergeneration element includes a turbine generator disposed within a flowpathway of the main body portion and configured to generate electricity.

In some cases, the water flow regulation unit further includes a ventpipe configured to vent the main body portion to atmosphere. In somesuch cases, the water flow regulation unit further includes anadjustable shutoff valve disposed within a flow pathway of the ventpipe.

In some cases, the downstream endpoint apparatus includes a piece ofsnowmaking equipment.

Another example embodiment provides a water distribution systemincluding: the water flow regulation unit described herein; and a watersupply unit. The water supply unit includes an inlet pipe configured tobe in flow communication with the main body portion of the water flowregulation unit to receive water therefrom. The water supply unitfurther includes a first outlet pipe configured to be in flowcommunication with the inlet pipe and the downstream endpoint apparatus.The water supply unit further includes a second outlet pipe configuredto be in flow communication with the inlet pipe and a downstreamdischarge point. The water supply unit further includes a diverter valveconfigured to direct the water between the first outlet pipe and thesecond outlet pipe. The water supply unit further includes acomputer-controlled variable pressure and flow pump configured toautomatically regulate at least one of a pressure and a flow of thewater through the third outlet pipe according to a scheme based onprevailing weather conditions.

In some cases, the water supply unit further includes a cooling elementconfigured to reduce a temperature of the water upstream of thedownstream discharge point, the cooling element including a series ofradiator coils. Additionally, the water supply unit further includes asecond housing including at least one ventilation panel configured to beopened and closed to adjust a degree of cooling provided to the waterwithin the water supply unit, wherein the second housing is configuredto house: at least a portion of each of the inlet pipe, the first outletpipe, and the second outlet pipe; the diverter valve; and the coolingelement.

Another example embodiment provides a method of distributing water infreezing environmental conditions without utilizing AC power. The methodincludes receiving water from a water source located in the freezingenvironmental conditions. The method further includes delivering acontrolled volume of the water to either: a downstream endpointapparatus configured to utilize the controlled volume of water whenthere is a demand for the water by the downstream endpoint apparatus; ora downstream discharge point when there is no demand for the water bythe downstream endpoint apparatus; wherein delivering the controlledvolume of water to either the downstream endpoint apparatus or thedownstream discharge point involves diverting the water via a wirelesslycontrolled diverter valve configured to be powered by a power storageelement operatively coupled with a power generation element disposedwithin a flow path leading to the downstream discharge point.

In some cases, the power storage element is a battery; and the powergeneration element includes a turbine generator.

In some cases, prior to delivering the controlled volume of water to thedownstream endpoint apparatus, the method further includes: reducing atemperature of the water. In some such cases, the downstream endpointapparatus includes a piece of snowmaking equipment.

In some cases, the water source is situated at a mountain and includesat least one of a spring, a stream, an aquifer, and a horizontal well.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and,in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings,specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that thelanguage used in the specification has been selected principally forreadability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of theinventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of awater distribution system configured in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a water diverter unit configured in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a water diverter unit configured in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example water collection unit to which a waterdiverter unit configured as provided herein may be operatively coupled,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating communicative coupling of anelectronics assembly of a water diverter unit with various constituentelements of the water diverter unit, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a water supply unit configured in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of awater distribution system configured in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example installation of a flow regulation unit, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flow regulation unitconfigured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronics assembly ofa flow regulation unit configured in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example implementation of a distributedwater-gathering network including a plurality of water distributionsystems installed at a mountain, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

These and other features of the present embodiments will be understoodbetter by reading the following detailed description, taken togetherwith the figures herein described. In the drawings, each identical ornearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may berepresented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not everycomponent may be labeled in every drawing. Furthermore, as will beappreciated in light of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings arenot intended to be drawn to scale or to limit the described embodimentsto the specific configurations shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A water gathering and distribution system and related techniques foroperating in freezing environmental conditions are disclosed. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the disclosed system may include awater diverter unit or a water flow regulation unit configured toreceive water from a spring, stream, aquifer, horizontal well, or otherwater source situated at a location that experiences freezingenvironmental conditions and to deliver a controlled volume of thatwater for downstream use. In accordance with some embodiments, thedisclosed system further may include a water supply unit configured toreceive the water from the water diverter unit or flow regulation unitand to supply it to downstream snowmaking equipment. In some instances,the supply unit also may cool the water to a temperature suitable, forexample, for snowmaking. In a general sense, the disclosed system may beconsidered modular, in that multiple system components may be placed inflow communication with one another, as desired, to provide adistributed network of water collection and distribution elements.Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of thisdisclosure.

General Overview

The economics of alpine ski-areas are heavily dependent on randomfluctuations in winter weather conditions. Because most of the operatingcosts are fixed, the amount of snow, especially ahead of major holidayperiods, has an enormous impact on profitability. In recent years, thisproblem has been exacerbated by the effects of climate change, whichhave introduced the potential for a trend line of shorter seasons,declining snow fall, and more frequent rain events. Ski-areas haveattempted to address these growing problems by making progressivelylarger investments in snowmaking equipment. Recent studies suggest thatclimate change is driving rapid expansion of the snowmaking market.

Snowmaking can bring a measure of control over the fluctuations of theweather, which, in turn, can help improve revenue predictability.However, this strategy has significant costs. The process of makingartificial snow is energy intensive and expensive. The cost ofelectricity for snowmaking alone can account for between one-half tothree-quarters of the total electricity budget for resorts withextensive snowmaking capabilities. Moreover, in most cases, thiselectricity is made with fossil fuels, which contributes to climatechange. Thus, overall, the process of making snow, in fact, isfurthering the very problem snowmaking is intended to address.

Many ski areas have made considerable investments to improve theefficiency of snowmaking equipment. This has helped lower costs andreduce their carbon footprint, but despite these improvements, for mostresorts, snowmaking remains the largest source of electric powerconsumption.

Existing snowmaking equipment comes in a variety of forms, includingelevated towers, fan-based cannons, and ground-level snow guns. Thesemeans of artificial snowmaking simulate natural snowmaking conditions byspraying fine particle of water into the air. Some of these means aredesigned to maximize the time that the fine particles of water travel inthe air. Inj ecting compressed air, for example, gives the particles ahigher initial velocity, using tall towers increases the verticaldistance they must travel before reaching the ground, and a powerful fanmay help increase the time the particles are suspended in the air.

Over the last several years, manufacturers have invested in a variety ofmechanisms to improve equipment efficiency, for instance, to find waysto lower inlet water pressure requirements and to reduce the need forair compressors. This has led to improvements in nozzle design, to theuse of additives in the water, to the employment of large fans, and tothe introduction of tower-based designs. At least one manufacturer,Ratnik Industries, Inc., has designed a tower-based snow gun thateliminates the need for compressed air and, hence, air compressors.

However, little progress has been made in finding a way to reduce thecost of pumping water to supply the snow guns. While configurationsvary, water is generally pumped significant vertical distances fromrivers and lakes and then uphill. Even before improvements inefficiency, which have lowered compressed air requirements, pumping thewater already represented the largest source of energy usage for manyski areas. With the increasing use of high-efficiency snowmakingequipment, the percentage of the energy used to pump water has onlyincreased.

The energy required to pump water is proportional to the increase inelevation, the pipe resistance, and the inlet pressure required by thesnow gun. Designers of snowmaking systems size pumps to operate atmaximum levels of efficiency, but in the end, the pumps still must sendthe water thousands of feet uphill through a network of narrow pipes,which is an energy-intensive process. One way to eliminate pumping costsis to use a water source located above the snow gun.

Aquifers, streams, and springs often form at high elevations, and thetechnologies for extracting water from them is well-established. Wellsmay be used to extract water from aquifers, and water collection systemscan be installed to divert water from springs or streams. However, theseresources are important to the local ecology and are frequently criticalto the regional economy. Because water can travel great distances,upstream extraction can have a profound impact on aquifers, lakes, andreservoirs located many miles away. For this reason, water use isstrictly regulated and controlled by a variety of governmental agencies.Although rules vary from place to place, regulatory agencies generallyimpose a limit on the percentage of water that can be extracted byupstream landowners, along with monitoring and reporting requirements.The maximum amount of water that can be drawn from any of collectionsystem is regulated. In general, the systems are permissible, providedthe percentage of water extracted is monitored and remains below theapplicable regulatory limits.

Generally, snowmaking requires large volumes of water for relativelyshort periods of time. In principle, one can envision a mountain-waterextraction mechanism operating within the noted regulatory constraintsby diverting a limited percentage of the available water. Such a systemwould have substantial economic and environmental benefits by displacingthe need to pump water uphill. However, diverting the water for limitedperiods during typical alpine ski area winter conditions creates avariety of practical and technical challenges. For instance, onenon-trivial challenge is that a diverter valve located near thecollection system may not be readily accessible in winter conditions.High-elevation water sources are often located in remote parts of themountain, and the surrounding snow can make them inaccessible or simplydifficult to access in a reasonably timely manner. Another non-trivialchallenge is that a single high-elevation water source usually will nothave the capacity to supply water in sufficient quantities. At the sametime, a distributed water collection system involving the aggregation ofmany water sources is cumbersome and time-consuming to manage, ascompared to when the entire supply is taken from a single source.Another non-trivial challenge is that to prevent freezing, the waterpiping must drain completely when not in use. During much of the season,the diverter unit itself often will be buried under several feet of snowand ice. This means that any venting designed to allow the water todrain by gravity must be able to function when the diverter assembly iscovered in snow and ice. Another non-trivial challenge is that anymechanical or electrical components which might fail under extreme coldconditions must be isolated from the cold. Another non-trivial challengeis that high-elevation water sources are usually at locations withoutaccess to AC power and bringing power cables to these remote locationsmay be cost-prohibitive. Another non-trivial challenge is that verticalwells typically require AC power for pumping equipment. Anothernon-trivial challenge is that if the flow of horizontal wells is to becontrolled, a shutoff valve may be required. Because these wells may bein remote parts of the mountain, the surrounding snow can make theirflow control valves inaccessible or simply difficult to access in areasonably timely manner. Another challenge is that groundwater, whichgenerally emerges at a temperature of about 50° F. or higher, may needto be cooled to meet inlet temperature specifications for snowmakingequipment.

These and other obstacles have prevented ski areas from sourcing theirsnowmaking-water needs from high-elevation water sources, such asmountain springs, streams, aquifers, and horizontal wells.

Thus, and in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure,a water gathering and distribution system and related techniques foroperating in freezing environmental conditions are disclosed. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the disclosed system may include awater diverter unit or a water flow regulation unit configured toreceive water from a spring, stream, aquifer, horizontal well, or otherwater source situated at a location that is remote, inaccessible (ordifficult to access), and/or experiences freezing environmentalconditions and to deliver a controlled volume of that water fordownstream use. In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosedsystem further may include a water supply unit configured to receive thewater from the water diverter unit or flow regulation unit and to supplyit to downstream snowmaking. In some instances, the supply unit also maycool the water to a temperature suitable, for example, for snowmaking.In a general sense, the disclosed system may be considered modular, inthat multiple system components may be placed in flow communication withone another, as desired, to provide a distributed network of watercollection and distribution elements.

In accordance with some embodiments, a water diverter unit provided asvariously described herein may be configured to divert a controlledvolume of water received from an upstream water source (a) for a limitedduration, (b) in freezing environmental conditions, (c) with no accessto AC power, while (d) located in an area that may not be readilyaccessed due to the freezing environmental conditions. In accordancewith some embodiments, a flow regulation unit provided as variouslydescribed herein may be configured to (a) regulate the flow of waterfrom a horizontal well, (b) in freezing environmental conditions, (c)with no access to AC power, while (d) located in an area that may not bereadily accessed due to the freezing environmental conditions.

In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed system may beconfigured such that, when water is not being diverted from a givenwater source, water within the system may be permitted to drain out(e.g., to below the installation site) via gravity, thereby preventingwater from freezing therein and causing damage, even if the system isburied beneath several feet of snow and ice.

The disclosed system may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, for routine and sustained operation in freezingenvironmental temperatures and harsh winter weather conditions, astypically may be experienced at skiing and other snow-sports locations.In some instances, the disclosed system may be operated in this mannerfor an extended period (e.g., for an entire ski season or longer).

In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed system may beconfigured to distribute water to one or more downstream pieces ofsnowmaking equipment, such as snow guns/cannons. In accordance with someembodiments, the disclosed system may be configured to cool the water toa temperature suitable for snowmaking prior to delivering that water todownstream snowmaking equipment. In accordance with some embodiments,the disclosed system may be configured for use in locations that areremote or otherwise may not be accessible with traditional snowmakingequipment or because of freezing environmental conditions. In accordancewith some embodiments, the disclosed system may be configured to operateremotely without need for an external AC power source. In accordancewith some embodiments, the disclosed system may be provided as part of alarger network of such systems, allowing for aggregating/gathering ofwater from a distributed network of multiple water sources thatotherwise, individually, might not yield sufficient water to supplysnowmaking equipment. Numerous suitable uses and applications for thedisclosed system and techniques will be apparent in light of thisdisclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed system may beutilized to channel excess water released from snowmelt (e.g., duringthe snowmelt season or when otherwise not making snow) to one or morehydroelectric power generators to produce electricity. Thus, in ageneral sense, the disclosed system may be configured to be used inharvesting the energy released by accumulated snow during the snowmeltseason. In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed system may beconfigured to generate sufficient electricity to sustain its ownoperation, avoiding need for an external AC power source at theinstallation site.

In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed system may beconfigured to provide a water extraction and distribution process thatmeasures the available water and only diverts a controlled amount of theavailable water for a limited duration (e.g., during snowmakingoperations). In accordance with some embodiments, the disclosed systemmay be configured to generate electricity for its own sustained use. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the disclosed system may be configuredto take advantage of the natural energy in high-elevation water, theneed for pumping large volumes of water uphill from lower elevations maybe eliminated (or otherwise reduced). Furthermore, at least in someinstances, the need for booster pumps may be eliminated (or otherwisereduced). As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, use of thedisclosed system and techniques may realize any of a wide range ofbenefits and advantages over existing approaches.

In some cases, use of the disclosed system may result in a reduction inexternal electric power generation that otherwise would need to occur toprovide for snowmaking. In turn, this may result in a reduction infossil fuel consumption that otherwise would be required in generatingthe displaced electric power. In turn, this may result in a reduction ingreenhouse gas and other emissions normally associated with producingelectric power from fossil fuels via fossil fuel-based generators. Inturn, this may result in a reduction in the greenhouse gas footprintassociated with the overall snowmaking operation.

System Architecture and Operation

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of awater distribution system 1000 configured in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, system 1000 mayinclude a water diverter unit 100 and a water supply unit 200, eachdiscussed below in turn. As described herein, system 1000 may beconfigured to receive a volume of water from one or more upstream watersources and to distribute that water to one or more downstreamdestinations. For instance, system 1000 may be configured to distributewater to either (or both) a downstream discharge point (e.g., such as astream or other surface water) and a downstream endpoint apparatus 2000.As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, any one, orcombination, of suitable water sources may be utilized, including, forexample, a spring, a stream, an aquifer, or a horizontal well, to name afew, any of which may be a high-elevation water source located in anarea, for example, that experiences freezing environmental conditions.As further described herein, system 1000 may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to supply water to endpointapparatuses 2000, such as snowmaking equipment (e.g., snow guns/cannons,etc.) as typically may be found at skiing and other snow-sports areas.

FIG. 2 illustrates a water diverter unit 100 configured in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a waterdiverter unit 100 configured in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present disclosure. As described herein, diverter unit 100 may beconfigured, in accordance with some embodiments, to receive water fromone or more upstream water sources and to divert a controlled volume ofthat water to either (or both) a downstream discharge point and adownstream water supply unit 200 (and, thus, ultimately to a downstreamendpoint apparatus 2000).

As can be seen in FIGS. 2-3, diverter unit 100 may include an inlet pipe102. Inlet pipe 102 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, to be in flow communication with a given upstream watersource and with outlet pipes 104, 106 (discussed below). In someembodiments, inlet pipe 102 may be configured to be operatively coupled,and thus in flow communication, with a given water collection and/orextraction unit configured to obtain water from an upstream watersource. For instance, consider FIG. 4, which illustrates an examplewater collection unit to which diverter unit 100 may be operativelycoupled, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.Water collection may be provided, in part or in whole, by an installedwater collection system, and the water may enter diverter unit 100 viainlet pipe 102. Although the example water collection unit depicted inFIG. 4 is one commercially available from Carolina Water Tank that maybe used in a spring or stream, as will be apparent in light of thisdisclosure, any of a wide range of other suitable water collectionand/or extraction systems may be provisioned for operative coupling witha diverter unit 100 configured as described herein, in accordance withsome embodiments.

Returning to FIGS. 2-3, diverter unit 100 also may include a firstoutlet pipe 104 and a second outlet pipe 106. First outlet pipe 104 maybe configured, in accordance with some embodiments, for flowcommunication with upstream inlet pipe 102 and a downstream dischargepoint (e.g., such as a stream), thus providing a first flow pathwaythrough diverter unit 100. In some embodiments, a downstream end offirst outlet pipe 104 optionally may include an adaptor, flange, orother connector of any suitable configuration, as will be apparent inlight of this disclosure. Second outlet pipe 106 may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, for flow communication with upstreaminlet pipe 102 and a downstream water supply unit 200 (discussed below),thus providing a second flow pathway through diverter unit 100. Inaccordance with some embodiments, the downstream end of second outletpipe 106 may be configured to be operatively coupled, and thus in flowcommunication with, inlet pipe 202 of downstream supply unit 200 (seeFIG. 6, discussed below). To that end, in some embodiments, thedownstream end of second outlet pipe 106 optionally may include anadaptor, flange, or other connector 107 of any suitable configurationfor engaging inlet pipe 202 of supply unit 200, as will be apparent inlight of this disclosure.

The dimensions (e.g., length; diameter/width), geometry, and materialconstruction of each of inlet pipe 102, first outlet pipe 104, andsecond outlet pipe 106 of diverter unit 100 may be customized, asdesired for a given target application or end-use. In some embodiments,any of pipes 102, 104, 106 may be constructed, in part or in whole, froma polyvinylchloride (PVC) material or a stainless-steel material, amongother options.

Diverter unit 100 further may include an adjustable diverter valve 108.Diverter valve 108 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, to divert the flow of water through diverter unit 100 frominlet pipe 102 through either of outlet pipes 104, 106. To that end,diverter valve 108 may be disposed along the flow pathway from inletpipe 102 to outlet pipes 104, 106, for instance, at a junction of outletpipes 104, 106. In some embodiments, diverter valve 108 may be anadjustable flow valve. In some embodiments, diverter valve 108 may beactuated by an associated motor. In some embodiments, diverter valve 108may be configured to be remotely controlled (e.g., may beradio-controlled via a given RF signal source). To that end, divertervalve 108 may be operatively coupled with an antenna 118 (discussedbelow). As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, providingfor remote activation of diverter valve 108 may be beneficial, forinstance, in cases where diverter unit 100 may not be readily accessiblegiven environmental conditions (e.g., in typical weather conditionsprevalent in alpine ski areas).

If diverter valve 108 is adjusted to block off second outlet pipe 106completely, then the water flowing through inlet pipe 102 may be routedthrough only first outlet pipe 104. Thus, first outlet pipe 104 mayserve, in a general sense, as a bypass or pass-through for water flowingthrough diverter unit 100 from the upstream water source(s) to thedownstream discharge point (e.g., stream). If instead diverter valve 108is adjusted to block off first outlet pipe 104 completely, then thewater flowing through inlet pipe 102 may be routed through only secondoutlet pipe 106. Thus, diverter valve 108 may be utilized to provide andcut off the flow of water to downstream supply unit 200 whenever desired(e.g., when snowmaking via a downstream endpoint apparatus 2000 is notdesired).

In accordance with some embodiments, when there is a downstream demandfor water (e.g., such as during snowmaking operations via endpointapparatus 2000), diverter valve 108 may be actuated, redirecting thewater to second outlet pipe 106 and, in turn, to downstream supply unit200. In accordance with some embodiments, when there is no longer adownstream demand for water, diverter valve 108 may be actuated,redirecting the water to first outlet pipe 104 and, in turn, to thedownstream discharge point. In accordance with some embodiments,diverter valve 108 may be designed to fail in the position that sealsoff second outlet pipe 106, thereby ensuring the normal flow of thewater through diverter unit 100 will not be negatively impacted byfailure of diverter valve 108. This may allow the water to flowundisturbed through its natural course, returning to a stream (or otherdischarge point), in part or in whole.

Diverter unit 100 also may include an electronics assembly 110 includingvarious electronic elements, such as, for example, a controller 112, apower storage element 114, and a communication module 116, among others.FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating communicative coupling ofelectronics assembly 110 with various constituent elements of a waterdiverter unit 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Each of these elements is discussed in turn below.

Controller 112 may be configured to electronically control operation ofone or more components of diverter unit 100. For instance, controller112 may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to beoperatively coupled with any (or all) of diverter valve 108, shutoffvalve 122, shutoff valve 124, a given power generation element 126(discussed below), and a given sensor (e.g., such as a temperaturesensor 128, a pressure sensor 130, and a flow sensor 132, each discussedbelow) to effectuate electronic control of the operation thereof. Tosuch ends, controller 112 may host one or more control modules and maybe programmed or otherwise configured to output one or more controlsignals that may be utilized in controlling the operation of a givenelement of diverter unit 100 operatively coupled therewith. In anexample embodiment, controller 112 may be a microcontroller, which maybe RF networked.

In accordance with some embodiments, module(s) of controller 112 may beimplemented in any suitable standard, custom, or proprietary programminglanguage, such as, for example, C, C++, objective C, JavaScript, or anyother suitable instruction set, as will be apparent in light of thisdisclosure. The module(s) of controller 112 can be encoded, for example,on a machine-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, carriesout the target functionality, in part or in whole. The computer-readablemedium may be, for example, a hard drive, a compact disk, a memorystick, a server, or any suitable non-transitory computer or computingdevice memory that includes executable instructions, or a plurality orcombination of such memories. Some embodiments can be implemented, forinstance, with gate-level logic, an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC) or chip set, or other such purpose-built logic. Someembodiments can be implemented with a microcontroller havinginput/output capability (e.g., inputs for receiving user inputs; outputsfor directing other components) and embedded routines for carrying outdevice functionality. In a more general sense, the functional modules ofcontroller 112 can be implemented in any one, or combination, ofhardware, software, and firmware, as desired for a given targetapplication or end-use. Moreover, in some embodiments, a given module ofcontroller 112 (or controller 112 more generally) may be programmable toachieve any of the various functions and capabilities desired ofdiverter unit 100 for a given target application or end-use.

Power storage element 114 may be configured to supply a given targetamount of electric power to any of the various components of diverterunit 100. To that end, power storage element 114 may be any suitablestandard, custom, or proprietary power storage device, as will beapparent in light of this disclosure. In some embodiments, power storageelement 114 may be a battery, which may be permanent or replaceable. Inaccordance with some embodiments, power storage element 114 may beconfigured to be operatively coupled with any (or all) of diverter valve108, shutoff valve 122, and shutoff valve 124 (e.g., with a motorassociated with any such valve 108, 122, 124, if optionally present) toprovide electric power thereto, for instance, to cause such valve 108,122, 124 to open or close, as desired.

In accordance with some embodiments, power storage element 114 may beconfigured to be operatively coupled with a given power generationelement 126 (discussed below) such that electricity generated by powergeneration element(s) 126 may be used in charging power storage element114 or in other use by diverter unit 100 (or system 1000 moregenerally). In some embodiments, power storage element 114 optionallymay include (or otherwise be operatively coupled with) a photovoltaicmodule (e.g., a solar cell) configured to convert light energy toelectrical energy for storage by power storage element 114 or other useby diverter unit 100 (or system 1000 more generally). In someembodiments, power storage element 114 optionally may be operativelycoupled with a wind turbine configured to convert wind energy toelectrical energy for storage by power storage element 114 or other useby diverter unit 100 (or system 1000 more generally).

Communication module 116 may be configured as a transmitter, a receiver,or both (i.e., a transceiver). In some cases, communication module 116may be separate and distinct from controller 112 (e.g., as generallyshown in FIG. 5), though in some other cases, communication module 116may be a component of or otherwise integrated with controller 112.Communication module 116 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, for either (or both) wired and wireless communicationutilizing any one, or combination, of suitable communication means, suchas RF signal, Wi-Fi signal, Bluetooth signal, Universal Serial Bus(USB), Ethernet, or FireWire, among others. In some embodiments,communication module 116 may be (or otherwise include) a wireless routerconfigured to receive and/or transmit RF signals. Communication module116 may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to receivesignal(s) from an external source, such as a control device/interface,for example, which may be utilized in remotely operating diverter unit100, in part or in whole. To such ends, communication module 116 may beconfigured, in accordance with some embodiments, to be operativelycoupled with an antenna 118 (discussed below) configured to transmitand/or receive one or more signals.

As noted above, diverter unit 100 also may include one or more antennas118 configured to receive and/or transmit one or more RF signals orother signals. To such ends, a given antenna 118 may be any suitablestandard, custom, or proprietary antenna device, as will be apparent inlight of this disclosure, and may be directional or omnidirectional, asdesired for a given target application or end-use. A given antenna 118may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to beoperatively coupled with communication module 116 to communicate withcontroller 112. In an example embodiment, an antenna 118 may beconfigured to be attached to or otherwise disposed alongside a vent pipe120 (discussed below) of diverter unit 100.

Any (or all) of the constituent electronics of electronics assembly 110optionally may be housed in a housing 111, which may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to protect the housed electronics bybeing substantially impermeable to water and debris and, optionally,thermally insulated, in part or in whole. Also, the dimensions,geometry, and material construction of housing 111 may be customized, asdesired for a given target application or end-use. As will beappreciated in light of this disclosure, the flow of water at atemperature of about 50° F. or greater through diverter unit 100 mayhelp to keep the electronic elements within temperature specificationsfor operation of diverter unit 100.

In accordance with some embodiments, either (or both) of first outletpipe 104 and second outlet pipe 106 may include one or more vent pipes120. A given vent pipe 120 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, to vent an associated outlet pipe 104, 106 to atmosphere,letting air in to displace the water so as to ensure that its associatedoutlet pipe 104, 106 drains when desired (e.g., when not in use). Insome cases, a given vent pipe 120 may be configured to provide passiveair venting. A given vent pipe 120 may be disposed along the flowpathway within diverter unit 100, for instance, downstream of divertervalve 108. In accordance with some embodiments, first outlet pipe 104may be vented via an associated vent pipe 120 to allow any water thereinto drain out (e.g., by gravity), helping to prevent the water fromfreezing therein and causing damage to first outlet pipe 104 and, ifpresent, power generation element 126. In accordance with someembodiments, second outlet pipe 106 may be vented via an associated ventpipe 120 to allow any water therein to drain out (e.g., by gravity),helping to prevent the water from freezing therein and causing damage tosecond outlet pipe 106. The dimensions (e.g., length; diameter/width),geometry, and material construction of a given vent pipe 120 may becustomized, as desired for a given target application or end-use. Insome embodiments, a given vent pipe 120 may be constructed, in part orin whole, from a polyvinylchloride (PVC) material or a stainless-steelmaterial, among other options. Also, as will be appreciated in light ofthis disclosure, it may be desirable to ensure that a given vent pipe120 is of sufficient length to prevent (or otherwise reduce thelikelihood) of its being completely covered and blocked, for instance,by snow and ice.

In accordance with some embodiments, a given vent pipe 120 may includean adjustable shutoff valve 122. Shutoff valve 122 may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to stop or otherwise regulate the flowof air (or other fluid) through its associated vent pipe 120. To thatend, shutoff valve 122 may be disposed along the flow pathway withinvent pipe 120, preferably proximate the junction of vent pipe 120 withits associated outlet pipe 104, 106. In some embodiments, shutoff valve122 may be actuated by an associated motor. In some embodiments, shutoffvalve 122 may be configured to be remotely controlled (e.g., may beradio-controlled via a given RF signal source). To that end, shutoffvalve 122 may be operatively coupled with an antenna 118 and controller112.

In accordance with some embodiments, diverter unit 100 may include anadjustable shutoff valve 124. Shutoff valve 124 may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to stop or otherwise regulate the flowof water through diverter unit 100. To that end, shutoff valve 124 maybe disposed along the flow pathway within inlet pipe 102, preferablyupstream of outlet pipes 104, 106 and diverter valve 108. In someembodiments, shutoff valve 124 may be actuated by an associated motor.In some embodiments, shutoff valve 124 may be configured to be remotelycontrolled (e.g., may be radio-controlled via a given RF signal source).To that end, shutoff valve 124 may be operatively coupled with anantenna 118 and controller 112.

In accordance with some embodiments, diverter unit 100 may include (orotherwise have access to) one or more power generation elements 126. Agiven power generation element 126 may be configured, in accordance withsome embodiments, to generate electricity to be stored by power storageelement 114. In accordance with some embodiments, a given powergeneration element 126 may be, for example, a turbine generator disposedalong the flow path of diverter unit 100 and configured to generateelectricity from the flow of water therethrough. To that end, a givenpower generation element 126 may be any suitable standard, custom, orproprietary turbine-based electricity generator, as will be apparent inlight of this disclosure. In some cases, a given power generationelement 126 may be, for instance, a DC microturbine generator configuredto generate DC power. The electricity produced by a given powergeneration element 126 may be used to charge power storage element 114(e.g., when downstream endpoint apparatus 2000 is not operating to makesnow) and/or to power one or more components of diverter unit 100, inaccordance with some embodiments. In accordance with some embodiments, agiven power generation element 126 may be configured to provide enoughpower to recharge power storage element 114 and, therefore, allowdiverter unit 100 to operate remotely for an extended period (e.g., foran entire season ski season or longer). In some embodiments, diverterunit 100 may include a power generation element 126 disposed withinfirst outlet pipe 104, downstream of diverter valve 108. In thisarrangement, the water flows though diverter valve 108 and into a powergeneration element 126 before being discharged (e.g., into a stream orother suitable discharge point) via first outlet pipe 104. In someembodiments, diverter unit 100 additionally, or alternatively, mayinclude a power generation element 126 disposed within inlet pipe 102,upstream of diverter valve 108.

The present disclosure is not intended to be so limited only to turbinegenerators, however, as additional and/or different configurations forpower generation element 126 will be apparent in light of thisdisclosure. For instance, in some cases, power generation element 126may be a solar-based power generation element. In some cases, powergeneration element 126 may be a wind-based power generation element.Other suitable configurations and arrangements for power generationelement(s) 126 will depend on a given target application or end-use andwill be apparent in light of this disclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments, diverter unit 100 may includeinstrumentation configured to measure any of a wide range of variablespertaining to the water flowing therethrough, including, for example,temperature, pressure, and flow, among others. To such ends, diverterunit 100 optionally may include one or more appropriately configuredsensors. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, diverterunit 100 optionally may include any one, or combination, of atemperature sensor 128, a pressure sensor 130, and a flow sensor 132disposed along the flow pathway(s) between inlet pipe 102 and outletpipes 104, 106. A given sensor 128, 130, 132 may be any suitablestandard, custom, or proprietary sensing device, as will be apparent inlight of this disclosure. A given temperature sensor 128 may measure thewater temperature. A given pressure sensor 130 may measure the waterhead. A given flow sensor 132 may measure the water flow rate. A givensensor 128, 130, 132 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, to be operatively coupled with controller 112 (discussedabove). In accordance with some embodiments, diverter unit 100 mayinclude any one, or combination, of a temperature sensor 128, a pressuresensor 130, and a flow sensor 132 disposed within inlet pipe 102,upstream of outlet pipes 104, 106 and diverter valve 108. In accordancewith some embodiments, diverter unit 100 may include a flow sensor 132disposed within second outlet pipe 106, downstream of diverter valve108.

Diverter unit 100 further may include a housing 134. Housing 134 may beconfigured, in accordance with some embodiments, to protect the variousconstituent components of diverter unit 100 by being substantiallyimpermeable to water and debris and, optionally, thermally insulated, inpart or in whole. Also, the dimensions, geometry, and materialconstruction of housing 134 may be customized, as desired for a giventarget application or end-use.

FIG. 6 illustrates a water supply unit 200 configured in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure. As described herein, supplyunit 200 may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, toreceive water from a given upstream diverter unit 100 and to supply acontrolled volume of that water to either (or both) a downstreamendpoint apparatus 2000 and a downstream discharge point (e.g., asdrainage).

As can be seen in FIG. 6, supply unit 200 may include an inlet pipe 202.Inlet pipe 202 may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments,to be operatively coupled, and thus in flow communication, with anupstream diverter unit 100. To that end, in some embodiments, theupstream end of inlet pipe 202 optionally may include an adaptor,flange, or other connector of any suitable configuration for engagingsecond outlet pipe 106 of diverter unit 100, as will be apparent inlight of this disclosure. Inlet pipe 202 also may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to be in flow communication withoutlet pipes 204, 206 (discussed below).

Supply unit 200 also may include a first outlet pipe 204 and a secondoutlet pipe 206. First outlet pipe 204 may be configured, in accordancewith some embodiments, for flow communication with upstream inlet pipe202 and an endpoint apparatus 2000, thus providing a first flow pathwaythrough supply unit 200. Second outlet pipe 206 may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, for flow communication with upstreaminlet pipe 202 and a downstream discharge point (e.g., such as astream), thus providing a second flow pathway through supply unit 200.Second outlet pipe 206 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, to permit water to drain out (e.g., by gravity) from supplyunit 200 when desired, thereby helping to prevent the water fromfreezing within supply unit 200 and causing damage thereto. Thus, secondoutlet pipe 206 may serve, in a general sense, as a drain pipe whenthere is no downstream demand for water (e.g., when an endpointapparatus 2000, such as snowmaking equipment, is not in use). Thedimensions (e.g., length; diameter/width), geometry, and materialconstruction of each of inlet pipe 202, first outlet pipe 204, andsecond outlet pipe 206 of supply unit 200 may be customized, as desiredfor a given target application or end-use. In some embodiments, any ofpipes 202, 204, 206 may be constructed, in part or in whole, from apolyvinylchloride (PVC) material or a stainless-steel material, amongother options. Also, in some cases, any of pipes 202, 204, 206optionally may be thermally insulated, in part or in whole.

Supply unit 200 further may include an adjustable diverter valve 208.Diverter valve 208 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, to divert the flow of water through supply unit 200 frominlet pipe 202 through either (or both) outlet pipes 204, 206. To thatend, diverter valve 208 may be disposed along the flow pathway frominlet pipe 202 to outlet pipes 204, 206, for instance, at a junction ofoutlet pipes 204, 206. In some embodiments, diverter valve 208 may be anadjustable flow valve. In some embodiments, diverter valve 208 may beactuated by an associated motor. In some embodiments, diverter valve 208may be configured to be remotely controlled (e.g., may beradio-controlled via a given RF signal source). To that end, divertervalve 208 may be operatively coupled with an antenna (e.g., similar toantenna 118, discussed above). As will be appreciated in light of thisdisclosure, providing for remote activation of diverter valve 208 may bebeneficial, for instance, in cases where supply unit 200 may not bereadily accessible given environmental conditions (e.g., in typicalweather conditions prevalent in alpine ski areas).

If diverter valve 208 is adjusted to block off second outlet pipe 206completely, then the water flowing through inlet pipe 202 may be routedthrough only first outlet pipe 204. Thus, diverter valve 208 may beutilized to direct the flow of water to downstream endpoint apparatus2000 whenever desired (e.g., when snowmaking via a given downstreamendpoint apparatus 2000 is desired). If instead diverter valve 208 isadjusted to block off first outlet pipe 204 completely, then the waterflowing through inlet pipe 206 may be routed through only second outletpipe 206. Thus, second outlet pipe 206 may serve, in a general sense, asa bypass or pass-through for water flowing through supply unit 200 fromthe upstream diverter unit(s) 100 to the downstream discharge point(e.g., stream).

In accordance with some embodiments, when there is a downstream demandfor water (e.g., such as during snowmaking operations via endpointapparatus 2000), diverter valve 208 may be actuated, redirecting thewater to first outlet pipe 204 and, in turn, to downstream endpointapparatus 2000. In accordance with some embodiments, when there is nolonger a downstream demand for water, diverter valve 208 may beactuated, redirecting the water to second outlet pipe 206 and, in turn,to the downstream discharge point. In accordance with some embodiments,diverter valve 208 may be designed to fail in the position that sealsoff first outlet pipe 204, thereby ensuring the normal flow of the waterthrough supply unit 200 will not be negatively impacted by failure ofdiverter valve 208.

Supply unit 200 may include a regulator valve 210. Regulator valve 210may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to regulate theflow of water through supply unit 200, as received from an upstreamdiverter unit 100. To that end, regulator valve 210 may be disposedalong the flow pathway from inlet pipe 202 to outlet pipes 204, 206,preferably upstream of a junction of outlet pipes 204, 206. In someembodiments, regulator valve 210 may be an adjustable flow valve. Insome embodiments, regulator valve 210 may be an intake isolation valve.In some embodiments, regulator valve 210 may be actuated by anassociated motor. In some embodiments, regulator valve 210 may beconfigured to be remotely controlled (e.g., may be radio-controlled viaa given RF signal source). To that end, regulator valve 210 may beoperatively coupled with an antenna (e.g., similar to antenna 118,discussed above).

Supply unit 200 also may include a cooling element 212 (e.g., a heatexchanger). Cooling element 212 may be configured, in accordance withsome embodiments, to cool the water passing through supply unit 200, asreceived from an upstream diverter unit 100, to a given targettemperature. For instance, cooling element 212 may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to cool the water to a temperaturesuitable for snowmaking (e.g., via an endpoint apparatus 2000, such as asnow gun/cannon or other snowmaking equipment). In an example case,cooling element 212 may be configured to reduce the temperature of thewater flowing through supply unit 200 to just above freezing (e.g.,within 5° F. above the freezing point of water at 32° F.). To such ends,in some embodiments, cooling element 212 may be (or otherwise mayinclude) a series of radiator coils, of copper or other suitablethermally conductive material construction. In accordance with someembodiments, the coils of cooling element 212 may be sized to reduce thewater temperature while simultaneously minimizing (or otherwisereducing) pressure loss. In accordance with some embodiments, the coilsof cooling element 212 may be arranged in a manner that permits them todrain by gravity (e.g., passively drain) when not in use, therebypreventing (or otherwise reducing the likelihood) of water freezingtherein. In some cases, the coils of cooling element 212 may be arrangedsubstantially horizontally (e.g., within ±5° of horizontal).

In accordance with some embodiments, supply unit 200 may includeinstrumentation configured to measure any of a wide range of variablespertaining to the water flowing therethrough, including, for example,temperature, pressure, and flow, among others. To such ends, supply unit200 optionally may include one or more appropriately configured sensors,such as any (or all) of the various sensors discussed above, forinstance, with respect to diverter unit 100. For instance, in accordancewith some embodiments, supply unit 200 optionally may include any one,or combination, of a temperature sensor 128, a pressure sensor 130, anda flow sensor 132 disposed along the flow pathway(s) between inlet pipe202 and outlet pipes 204, 206.

Supply unit 200 further may include a housing 214. Housing 214 may beconfigured, in accordance with some embodiments, to protect the variousconstituent components of supply unit 200 by being substantiallyimpermeable to water and debris. Also, the dimensions, geometry, andmaterial construction of housing 214 may be customized, as desired for agiven target application or end-use. In accordance with someembodiments, housing 214 may include one or more ventilation panels(e.g., louvers) thereon that are configured to be opened/closed toadjust the degree of cooling provided to the water flowing throughdiverter unit 100. In some instances, maximum cooling may be achieved,for instance, when all the ventilation panels are open.

Other suitable configurations for diverter unit 100 and supply unit 200,generally, or any of their respective constituent components will dependon a given target application or end-use and will be apparent in lightof this disclosure. Also, it should be noted that the present disclosureis not intended to be limited only to a system 1000 including one ormore diverter units 100 and one or more supply units 200, as inaccordance with some other embodiments, system 1000 may employadditional and/or alternative water distribution means. For instance,consider FIG. 7, which is a block diagram illustrating an exampleimplementation of a water distribution system 1000 configured inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As can beseen, system 1000 may include a water flow regulation unit 300(discussed below) and a water supply unit 200. As previously noted,system 1000 may be configured to receive a volume of water from one ormore upstream water sources and to distribute that water to one or moredownstream destinations. Here, with flow regulation unit 300, system1000 may be configured to receive water, for example, from a horizontalwell tapping an aquifer in a mountain and collecting water via aperforated section of piping. For instance, consider FIG. 8, whichillustrates an example installation of a flow regulation unit 300, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As will beappreciated in light of this disclosure, the horizontal well may beconfigured as typically done, including a well casement pipe having aperforated section situated in an aquifer.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flow regulation unit 300configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.As can be seen, flow regulation unit 300 includes a main body portion302. Main body portion 302 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, as a pipe sized to be inserted within a well casement pipeof a horizontal well. In accordance with some embodiments, an upstreamend 304 of main body portion 302 may be configured for flowcommunication with the upstream water source (via the horizontal well)and a downstream end 306 of main body portion 302 may be configured forflow communication with a downstream supply unit 200, thus providing aflow pathway through flow regulation unit 300. In some embodiments,downstream end 306 of main body portion 302 optionally may include anadaptor, flange, or other connector 307 of any suitable configurationfor engaging inlet pipe 202 of supply unit 200, as will be apparent inlight of this disclosure. The dimensions (e.g., length; diameter/width),geometry, and material construction of main body portion 302 of flowregulation unit 300 may be customized, as desired for a given targetapplication or end-use. In some embodiments, main body portion 302 maybe constructed, in part or in whole, from a polyvinylchloride (PVC)material or a stainless-steel material, among other options. Also, insome cases, main body portion 302 optionally may be thermally insulated,in part or in whole.

In accordance with some embodiments, the exterior of main body portion302 may include one or more grooves defined therein and configured toreceive and retain corresponding sealing feature(s) 308, such as apolymeric 0-ring. Thus, when flow regulation unit 300 is inserted withina well casement pipe, sealing feature(s) 308 may provide a seal betweenthe exterior of main body portion 302 and the interior of the wellcasement pipe, in accordance with some embodiments.

Flow regulation unit 300 also may include an electronics assembly 110including various electronic elements, such as, for example, acontroller 112, a power storage element 114, and a communication module116, among others. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of anelectronics assembly 110 of flow regulation unit 300 configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen,any (or all) of the constituent electronics of electronics assembly 110optionally may be housed in a housing 111, which may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to protect the housed electronics bybeing substantially impermeable to water and debris and, optionally,thermally insulated, in part or in whole. Also, the dimensions,geometry, and material construction of housing 111 may be customized, asdesired for a given target application or end-use. As will beappreciated in light of this disclosure, the flow of water at atemperature of about 50 ° F. or greater through flow regulation unit 300may help to keep the electronic elements within temperaturespecifications for operation of flow regulation unit 300. As will befurther appreciated, the communicative coupling illustrated via FIG. 5(discussed above) in the context of diverter unit 100 may apply equally,in part or in whole, here in the context of flow regulation unit 300, inaccordance with some embodiments.

Controller 112 may be configured to electronically control operation ofone or more components of flow regulation unit 300. For instance,controller 112 may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments,to be operatively coupled with any (or all) of shutoff valve 124, powergeneration element 126, and a given sensor (e.g., such as a temperaturesensor 128, a pressure sensor 130, and a flow sensor 132) to effectuateelectronic control of the operation thereof. To such ends, controller112 may host one or more control modules and may be programmed orotherwise configured to output one or more control signals that may beutilized in controlling the operation of a given element of flowregulation unit 300 operatively coupled therewith. In an exampleembodiment, controller 112 may be a microcontroller, which optionallymay be RF networked. As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure,the description provided above, for instance, with respect toprogramming, encoding, and various modules of controller 112 of diverterunit 100 may apply equally, in part or in whole, here in the context offlow regulation unit 300, in accordance with some embodiments.

Power storage element 114 may be configured to supply a given targetamount of electric power to any of the various components of flowregulation unit 300. To that end, power storage element 114 may be anysuitable standard, custom, or proprietary power storage device, as willbe apparent in light of this disclosure. In some embodiments, powerstorage element 114 may be a battery, which may be permanent orreplaceable. In accordance with some embodiments, power storage element114 may be configured to be operatively coupled with any (or all) ofshutoff valve 124 (e.g., with a motor associated with such valve 124, ifoptionally present) to provide electric power thereto, for instance, tocause such valve 124 to open or close, as desired. In accordance withsome embodiments, power storage element 114 may be configured to beoperatively coupled with a power generation element 126 such thatelectricity generated thereby may be used in charging power storageelement 114. In some embodiments, power storage element 114 optionallymay include (or otherwise be operatively coupled with) a photovoltaicmodule (e.g., a solar cell) configured to convert light energy toelectrical energy for storage by power storage element 114 or other useby flow regulation unit 300 (or system 1000 more generally). In someembodiments, power storage element 114 optionally may be operativelycoupled with a wind turbine configured to convert wind energy toelectrical energy for storage by power storage element 114 or other useby flow regulation unit 300 (or system 1000 more generally).

Communication module 116 may be configured as a transmitter, a receiver,or both (i.e., a transceiver). In some cases, communication module 116may be separate and distinct from controller 112 (e.g., as generallyshown in FIG. 5), though in some other cases, communication module 116may be a component of or otherwise integrated with controller 112.Communication module 116 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, for either (or both) wired and wireless communicationutilizing any one, or combination, of suitable communication means, suchas RF signal, Wi-Fi signal, Bluetooth signal, Universal Serial Bus(USB), Ethernet, or FireWire, among others. In some embodiments,communication module 116 may be (or otherwise include) a wireless routerconfigured to receive and/or transmit RF signals. Communication module116 may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to receivesignal(s) from an external source, such as a control device/interface,for example, which may be utilized in remotely operating flow regulationunit 300, in part or in whole. To such ends, communication module 116may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to beoperatively coupled with an antenna 118 configured to transmit and/orreceive one or more signals.

As noted above, flow regulation unit 300 also may include one or moreantennas 118 configured to receive and/or transmit one or more RFsignals or other signals. To such ends, a given antenna 118 may be anysuitable standard, custom, or proprietary antenna device, as will beapparent in light of this disclosure, and may be directional oromnidirectional, as desired for a given target application or end-use. Agiven antenna 118 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, to be operatively coupled with communication module 116 tocommunicate with controller 112. In an example embodiment, an antenna118 may be configured to be attached to or otherwise disposed alongsidea vent pipe 120 (discussed below) of flow regulation unit 300.

In accordance with some embodiments, flow regulation unit 300 mayinclude a vent pipe 120. Vent pipe 120 may be configured, in accordancewith some embodiments, to vent main body portion 302 to atmosphere,letting air in to displace the water so as to ensure that main bodyportion 302 drains when desired (e.g., when not in use). In some cases,vent pipe 120 may be configured to provide passive air venting. Ventpipe 120 may be disposed along the flow pathway within flow regulationunit 300, preferably downstream of shutoff valve 124. In accordance withsome embodiments, main body portion 302 may be vented via vent pipe 120to allow any water therein to drain out (e.g., by gravity), helping toprevent the water from freezing therein and causing damage to main bodyportion 302, electronics assembly 110, power generation element 126, andany sensors 128, 130, 132. The dimensions (e.g., length;diameter/width), geometry, and material construction of vent pipe 120may be customized, as desired for a given target application or end-use.In some embodiments, vent pipe 120 may be constructed, in part or inwhole, from a polyvinylchloride (PVC) material or a stainless-steelmaterial, among other options. Also, as will be appreciated in light ofthis disclosure, in at least some cases, it may be desirable to ensurethat vent pipe 120 is of sufficient length to prevent (or otherwisereduce the likelihood) of its being completely covered and blocked, forinstance, by snow and ice.

In accordance with some embodiments, flow regulation unit 300 includesan adjustable shutoff valve 124. Shutoff valve 124 may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to stop or otherwise regulate the flowof water through flow regulation unit 300. To that end, shutoff valve124 may be disposed along the flow pathway within main body portion 302.In some embodiments, shutoff valve 124 may be actuated by an associatedmotor. In some embodiments, shutoff valve 124 may be configured to beremotely controlled (e.g., may be radio-controlled via a given RF signalsource). To that end, shutoff valve 124 may be operatively coupled withan antenna 118 and controller 112.

In accordance with some embodiments, flow regulation unit 300 mayinclude a power generation element 126 disposed along its flow path.Power generation element 126 may be configured, in accordance with someembodiments, to generate electricity from the flow of watertherethrough. To that end, power generation element 126 may be anysuitable standard, custom, or proprietary turbine-based electricitygenerator, as will be apparent in light of this disclosure. In somecases, power generation element 126 may be, for instance, a DCmicroturbine generator configured to generate DC power. The electricityproduced by power generation element 126 may be used to charge powerstorage element 114 and/or to power one or more components of flowregulation unit 300, in accordance with some embodiments. In accordancewith some embodiments, a given power generation element 126 may beconfigured to provide enough power to recharge power storage element 114and, therefore, allow flow regulation unit 300 to operate remotely foran extended period (e.g., for an entire season ski season or longer).

In accordance with some embodiments, flow regulation unit 300 mayinclude instrumentation configured to measure any of a wide range ofvariables pertaining to the water flowing therethrough, including, forexample, temperature, pressure, and flow, among others. To such ends,flow regulation unit 300 optionally may include one or moreappropriately configured sensors. For instance, in accordance with someembodiments, diverter unit 100 optionally may include any one, orcombination, of a temperature sensor 128, a pressure sensor 130, and aflow sensor 132 disposed along the flow pathway within main body portion302. As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, the descriptionprovided above, for instance, with respect to the various sensors 128,130, 132 of diverter unit 100 may apply equally, in part or in whole,here in the context of flow regulation unit 300, in accordance with someembodiments. A given sensor 128, 130, 132 may be configured, inaccordance with some embodiments, to be operatively coupled withcontroller 112 (discussed above).

As variously described herein, one or more endpoint apparatuses 2000 maybe configured to receive water provided from an upstream system 1000, inaccordance with some embodiments. As will be appreciated in light ofthis disclosure, any of a wide range of water-utilizing endpointapparatuses can be envisioned for use with system 1000. For instance, inaccordance with some embodiments, a given endpoint apparatus 2000 may bea piece of snowmaking equipment, such as a snow gun/cannon, and system1000 may be configured to distribute water thereto for snowmaking. Insuch cases, snow may be made by forcing water, as supplied by system1000, and (optionally) pressurized air through the snow gun/cannon.

In accordance with some embodiments, it may be desirable to includeinstrumentation configured to measure any of a wide range of variablespertaining to the water flowing out of supply unit 200, including, forexample, temperature and pressure, among others. To such ends, one ormore appropriately configured gauges may be disposed along the flow pathbetween supply unit 200 and endpoint apparatus 2000. For instance, inaccordance with some embodiments, either (or both) a temperature gauge216 and a pressure gauge 218 may be disposed along the flow path betweensupply unit 200 and endpoint apparatus 2000. A given gauge 216, 218 maybe any suitable standard, custom, or proprietary sensing/readout device,as will be apparent in light of this disclosure. A given gauge 216, 218may allow an operator to monitor the water being supplied to endpointapparatus 2000.

As will be appreciated in light of this disclosure, the pressure of thewater exiting supply unit 200 and being delivered to endpoint apparatus2000 will depend, at least in part, on the difference in elevationbetween diverter unit 100 and supply unit 200. If the water pressure isinsufficient for a given target application or end-use, then it may bedesirable to provide means for increasing the water pressure by a givendesired amount. To that end, a pump 220 (e.g., a booster pump)optionally may be disposed along the flow path between supply unit 200and endpoint apparatus 2000, in accordance with some embodiments. Pump220 may be any suitable standard, custom, or proprietary water pumpingdevice, as will be apparent in light of this disclosure. In someinstances, pump 220 may be AC-powered.

In accordance with some embodiments, pump 220 additionally oralternatively may be configured as a computer-controlled variablepressure and flow pump. In at least some such cases, pump 220 may beconfigured, in accordance with some embodiments, to automaticallyregulate the pressure and/or flow of water according to one or moreschemes, which may be predetermined, user-designated, and/or customized,for example, based on one or more environmental factors. In someembodiments, pump 220 may be configured to automate pressure and/orflow, for instance, for optimal (e.g., best possible) snow productionbased on prevailing weather conditions. Other suitable water pressureand/or flow schemes may be employed with pump 220, as desired for agiven target application or end-use.

Installation and Networking

In accordance with some embodiments, system 1000 may be installed suchthat its water diverter unit 100 or flow regulation unit 300, as thecase may be, is situated at an elevation (with respect to its watersupply unit 200) that helps to ensure the water pressure at the inlet ofpower generation element 126 (e.g., in the case of a turbine generator)is within manufacturer specifications. If the pressure of the waterleaving the upstream water collection system at the water source(s) issufficiently high, then diverter unit 100 (or flow regulation unit 300)may be installed at substantially the same elevation as the upstreamcollection system. If the water pressure is too low, however, then thetarget pressure may be achieved, for instance, by increasing thevertical drop between the collection system and diverter unit 100 (orflow regulation unit 300). If locating diverter unit 100, for example,in this manner is not practical, then power generation element 126optionally may be installed in piping at a downstream location, ratherthan within diverter unit 100 itself.

In accordance with some embodiments, diverter unit 100 (or flowregulation unit 300) and supply unit 200 may be operatively coupled toprovide flow communication therebetween using any suitable piping means,as will be apparent in light of this disclosure. In some instances,supply unit 200 may be disposed several hundred feet away from anupstream diverter unit 100 (or an upstream flow regulation unit 300, asthe case may be) and operatively coupled therewith via interveningpiping means.

In accordance with some embodiments, multiple water distribution systems1000, as variously described herein, may be installed at a given siteand provided with a given degree of network-like flow communication. Forinstance, consider FIG. 11, which illustrates an example implementationof a distributed water-gathering network including a plurality ofsystems 1000 installed at a mountain, in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure. As can be seen here, a plurality of system1000 installations may be networked together such that water collectedfrom various water sources (e.g., springs, streams, aquifers, and/orhorizontal wells) is aggregated for downstream use. The variousconstituent systems 1000 of the network may be arranged in parallel orseries (or both) flow communication with one another, as desired.

In accordance with some embodiments, the amount of water diverted fromeach system 1000 installation may be controlled remotely via an RFnetwork, as described herein. Moreover, in accordance with someembodiments, the various controllers and sensors of networked systems1000 may be networked. Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments,it may be possible to remotely monitor the operational status of thenetworked systems 1000, in part or in whole. In this manner, eachindividual system 1000 installation may be operated within regulatoryconstraints.

In accordance with some embodiments, a network of systems 1000, in theaggregate, may be configured to operate in a manner sufficient toprovide water for snowmaking over an entire host mountain. During thesnowmaking season, the gathered water may be aggregated and channeled toan array of downstream endpoint apparatuses 2000 (e.g., snowmakingequipment, such as snow guns/cannons).

The foregoing description of example embodiments has been presented forthe purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise formsdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthis disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosurebe limited not by this detailed description. Future-filed applicationsclaiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subjectmatter in a different manner and generally may include any set of one ormore limitations as variously disclosed or otherwise demonstratedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water distribution system comprising: a waterdiverter unit comprising: a first inlet pipe configured to be in flowcommunication with a water source to receive water therefrom; a firstoutlet pipe configured to be in flow communication with the first inletpipe and a first downstream discharge point; a second outlet pipeconfigured to be in flow communication with the first inlet pipe and adownstream endpoint apparatus configured to utilize the water; a firstdiverter valve configured to direct the water between the first outletpipe and the second outlet pipe, wherein the first diverter valve ismotor-actuated and wirelessly controlled; and an electronics assemblysealed within a first insulated housing disposed within the waterdiverter unit, the electronics assembly comprising: a controllerconfigured to control the first diverter valve in directing the waterbetween the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe; a powerstorage element configured to provide electric power to actuate thefirst diverter valve in directing the water between the first outletpipe and the second outlet pipe; and a communication module configuredto receive a wireless signal and communicate with the controller incontrolling the first diverter valve in directing the water between thefirst outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe; and a local powergeneration element operatively coupled with the power storage elementand configured to generate electricity to be stored by the power storageelement; and a water supply unit comprising: a second inlet pipeconfigured to be in flow communication with the second outlet pipe ofthe water diverter unit to receive water therefrom; a third outlet pipeconfigured to be in flow communication with the second inlet pipe andthe downstream endpoint apparatus; a fourth outlet pipe configured to bein flow communication with the second inlet pipe and either the firstdownstream discharge point or a second downstream discharge point; asecond diverter valve configured to direct the water between the thirdoutlet pipe and the fourth outlet pipe; and a computer-controlledvariable pressure and flow pump configured to automatically regulate atleast one of a pressure and a flow of the water through the third outletpipe according to a scheme based on prevailing weather conditions. 2.The water distribution system of claim 1, wherein the water diverterunit further comprises at least one of: a temperature sensor disposedwithin a flow pathway of the first inlet pipe; a pressure sensordisposed within a flow pathway of the first inlet pipe; and at least oneflow sensor disposed within at least one of: a flow pathway of the firstinlet pipe; and a flow pathway of the second outlet pipe.
 3. The waterdistribution system of claim 1, wherein: the power storage element is abattery; and the local power generation element comprises a turbinegenerator disposed within a flow pathway of one of the first inlet pipeor the first outlet pipe and configured to generate electricity.
 4. Thewater distribution system of claim 1, wherein the water diverter unitfurther comprises an adjustable shutoff valve disposed within a flowpathway of the first inlet pipe.
 5. The water distribution system ofclaim 1, wherein the water diverter unit further comprises a vent pipeconfigured to vent at least one of the first outlet pipe and the secondoutlet pipe to atmosphere.
 6. The water distribution system of claim 5,wherein the water diverter unit further comprises an adjustable shutoffvalve disposed within a flow pathway of the vent pipe.
 7. The waterdistribution system of claim 1, wherein the water diverter unit furthercomprises a second insulated housing configured to house: at least aportion of each of the first inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe, and thesecond outlet pipe; the first diverter valve; and the electronicsassembly.
 8. The water distribution system of claim 1, wherein the watersource is situated at a mountain and comprises at least one of a spring,a stream, an aquifer, and a horizontal well.
 9. The water distributionsystem of claim 1, wherein the water source is at a location thatexperiences freezing environmental conditions.
 10. The waterdistribution system of claim 1, wherein the downstream endpointapparatus comprises a piece of snowmaking equipment.
 11. The waterdistribution system of claim 1, wherein the water supply unit furthercomprises a cooling element configured to reduce a temperature of thewater upstream of the downstream endpoint apparatus.
 12. The waterdistribution system of claim 11, wherein the cooling element comprises aseries of radiator coils.
 13. The water distribution system of claim 1,wherein the water supply unit further comprises a third housingconfigured to house: at least a portion of each of the second inletpipe, the third outlet pipe, and the fourth outlet pipe; the seconddiverter valve; and the cooling element.
 14. The water distributionsystem of claim 13, wherein the third housing includes at least oneventilation panel configured to be opened and closed to adjust a degreeof cooling provided to the water within the water supply unit.